Theatre Review: ‘An Ideal Husband’ Still Funny 100+ Years Later

(Jennie Eisenhower and Ian Merrill Peakes star in "An Ideal Husband," now playing at the Walnut Street Theatre. Photo by Mark Garvin, provided)

By Bob Nelson

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — “An Ideal Husband” is Oscar Wilde’s dramatic masterpiece which originated in 1895 and has been playing, more or less, ever since.

Now, the Walnut Street Theatre continues its 204th season with a new production of “An Ideal Husband,” a classic comedy which became Wilde’s second most produced play, next to “The Importance of Being Earnest.”

The mystery, romance, intrigue, and laughter has been brought to life in a number of productions and a variety of interpretations over the years. The Walnut Street Theatre’s version contains a cast of both familiar faces and impressived newcomers.

Jennie Eisenhower and Ian Merrill Peakes play the husband and wife.

The Walnut’s production of “An Ideal Husband” runs through March 3rd on the theatre’s main stage. The theatre is located at 825 Walnut Street, in center city.

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Bob Nelson is a veteran of more than 50 years in broadcasting, and the creative force behind the legendary feature, “I Am Your Flag.”
His career began in 1947 as a runner and copy boy for The Blue Network (later ABC) in New York.
During his...